37 DOGS RESCUED IN SPALDING CO.

Spalding County Animal Control Supervisor Brent Foster announced today that Spalding County Animal Control Officers are working alongside local animal advocates and the Humane Society to rescue 37 abused animals off Minter Rd in Griffin.

“This is one of the worst situations of animal hording and abuse that I have seen since I began my job” stated Jordan Andrews, the Animal Control Officer who initially responded to the complaints from local neighbors. When officers arrived to investigate over a month ago, the 37 dogs were discovered living in make shift pins without adequate amounts of food, water, and shelter. Four of the original animals, a Pit-bull, Rottweiler, Beagle, and Weimariner were forced to not only have multiple litters of puppies, but due to a lack of nutriments available actually ate their own young.

After reaching out for assistance, local, state, and national resources came to the rescue. A local hero, Lashay English, led the effort by helping Spalding County make contact with both the Atlanta Humane Society and the Human Society of the United States. Once word got out that help was needed hundreds of volunteers provided food, materials, and, most importantly, time to rescue the animals in need.

On Thursday, July 9th groups of volunteers along with Spalding County Animal Control began the process of cleaning up the area, vaccinating, and providing much needed love for the many animals. To this point nearly thirty percent of the dogs have found new homes. “A big thanks goes out to Ms. Lashay English for recognizing a need and jumping in to provide care for those who do not have a voice”, said Eric Mosley, Assistant County Manager. “We could not have done it without her.”

The owner of the home off Minter Road is scheduled to be in court July 22nd to face multiple charges of misdemeanor animal cruelty and abuse. Potential judgements could include but are not limited to thousands of dollars in fines and up to 6 months in jail. Further help is still needed and if anyone is interested in providing a home for one of the many animals please contact the Spalding County Animal Control office at (770) 467-4772.